‘But there is something about the movement, the Order and even about me that is not easily definable. There is a touch of something that cannot be buttoned down, something that cannot in the end be defined. Even the desire to button it down or define it is a mistake – that was the mistake that the Theravada made in connection with its Vinaya. Everyone will need to take care of that rather mysterious, indefinable spirit that gives the movement life and energy.’ What is the Western Buddhist Order?

Welcome women Mitra Convenors of Europe!  Tiratanaloka is very happy to host the Autumn Mitra Convenor’s Gathering supported by Vajratara.  This gathering is by invitation only.  If you unsure whether you are invited, contact Viryanaya on viryanaya@tirylanhouse.org

‘Resolved fearlessly to pursue, frankly to examine and faithfully to accept and follow, whatever the truth about Buddhism might turn out to be, such an ideal student could be said to be fairly well equipped for the study of Buddhism.’ A Survey of Buddhism

‘You need to establish yourself in the right way of life, the right circumstances, and just leave it at that, just continue indefinitely in that way. Allow yourself to build up momentum. Allow your skilful lifestyle to have its effect over a number of years. This of course assumes that the lifestyle is one that really does suit you and is conducive to your growth and development.’  (Milarepa and the Art of Discipleship 2)

‘But what was this [Triratna] Buddhist Order that after a year or more of preliminary work had suddenly blossomed lotus-like from the mud of the metropolis?  Essentially it was a body of people who had gone for Refuge to the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha and who, by virtue of that common spiritual commitment, now constituted a spiritual community - a spiritual community that symbolized on the mundane level, the same transcendental spiritual community or Sangha which was the third of those same Three Jewels to which they had gone for Refuge.’ The History of my Going for Refuge

‘Paradoxically, inspiration and spontaneity are the product of discipline and regular practice.  There is a gradual build-up of energy which gains momentum until finally we break free of all habits whatsoever, whether negative and unconscious, or positive and disciplined.’ Know Your Mind

Led by Tiratnaloka team + friends held at Adhisthana

‘I had the satisfaction of knowing that in founding the Western Buddhist Order I had founded a sangha or spiritual community that not only shared my realization that Going for Refuge was the central and definitive act of the Buddhist life but also shared … my conviction that that realization itself was capable of continued growth and development.’ The History of my Going for Refuge

‘Going for Refuge represents your positive emotional response - in fact your total response - to the spiritual ideal when that ideal is revealed to your spiritual vision. Such is its appeal that you cannot but give yourself to it.’ Going for Refuge

‘Beauty does give you some clue to the nature of reality.  There is also an ethical element, in as much as your whole being is tuned in to that experience of the beautiful through your imagination, you yourself are transformed, at least you are refined and sensitised.’  Seminar on the Kalama Sutta